Rick Zambrano 
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews named Brian Sullivan vice president of culinary & beverage innovation. The move is part of the burger chain’s recent initiatives in increasing investment in food quality and refreshing the menu. The current “North Star” five-point turnaround plan to drive improved business performance includes such initiatives.
Papa Johns introduced a new store design for international restaurants in China’s Hubei province. New locations fashioned with the revamped look are under construction or renovation. In fact, a total of seven stores will open across Jordan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Kenya.
Bojangles partnered with Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) to develop Bojangles Hard Sweet Tea. The adult version of its popular Southern-inspired Sweet Tea is “2023’s newest and best drink,” according to the companies.
Panera Bread introduced a Toasted Baguettes line, completing their rollout at its bakery-cafes nationwide January 12. The Toasted Baguettes come in three new flavors: Green Goddess Caprese, Pepperoni Mozzarella and Smoky Buffalo Chicken.
The Sacramento Supreme Court in California has put on hold AB 257 so that the merits of the law can be determined. A hearing has been scheduled for January 13, 2023. The Save Local Restaurants coalition had sued to prevent California’s controversial AB 257 law, Fast Recovery Act, from going into effect.
Ninety-two percent of surveyed restaurants increased their menu prices this year. The average increase restaurant operators are raising totals 8%. And 73% plan on increasing menu prices in 2023. This, according to the company behind restaurant management software Restaurant365 (R365) in its 2022 State of the Industry Customer Survey.
P.F. Chang’s opened a new flagship restaurant today in New York City at Union Square. The 7,319 square-foot location is the first full-service one inside Manhattan. The Union Square P.F. Chang’s marks the fourth flagship unit of the polished casual-dining chain after Honolulu, Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
The parent of Applebee’s Grill + Bar has agreed to purchase the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop chain from NRD Capital Management for $80M. In addition to Applebee’s, Dine Brands owns IHOP restaurants. Fuzzy’s owns and franchises 138 locations in 18 states.
US Foods named Dave Flitman chief executive officer effective January 5, 2023. Flitman comes to US Foods from Builders FirstSource, and brings to the broadline foodservice distributor 35 years of manufacturing and distribution expertise, including food distribution. He will also join the US Foods Board of Directors.
The National Restaurant Association released its “What’s Hot Culinary Forecast” 2023. The report highlights trends in the restaurant industry, along with products that will drive the popularity of restaurant menus next year. From local culture to comfort fare, and menu streamlining to globally-inspired salads and huacatay, 2023’s trends are shaping up to be divergent.
